Communal Reconciliation Service – March 20, 2018 6:30pm

Reasons to Go to the Communal Reconciliation Service

At Saint Benedict Parish

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 6:30pm

Anonymity – You can put aside the fear that the priest who hears your confession will see you next week when at school or Mass by going to someone other than Fr. Sergio or Fr. Arlen.

You’re Not the Only One – Going when there are a group of people takes away the anxiety that you’re the only one sinning. Guess what? We all are. We’re also the ones with the invitation to get better.

Timing – It’s probably been a while.

Also Timing – It’s the season of Lent. It’s a Catholic custom to work on repentance in Lent.

Also Timing Again – It’s probably the quickest way to go. With 5 priests to hear confessions, there is a good chance you won’t have to wait that long to get it done.

Getting Right with the Rules – The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1457) informs us that “each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year.”

Sin/Reconciliation is a Social Thing – There is no such thing as a sin that “only affects me.” All sin involves harm done to another person which means forgiveness feels better when other people are part of the reconciliation.

You’ll Feel Better – You know all that stuff (baggage) that is weighing you down? You know, the stuff you’ve tried to let go of it on your own but you can’t? Let God cut it off. That’s what God does.

You’ll Set the Right Example – Our children in school and Religious Education attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation. By going yourself, you’ll show them that this isn’t an exercise for school but a gift from God throughout our life.

Your Presence Will Help Others – All of us can be a little scared or unsure sometimes. Seeing others can help us overcome fear and conversely, our actions towards reconciliation can unconsciously empower others to do the same.